Many of the posts here have discussed some of the mental or spiritual benefits of Tibetan Meditations. If appears as there is quite a bit of research on the physical benefits as well. Advanced methods of meditation, such as Tummo, may open up options that will help to better treat stress-related illnesses.
There are events reported where Tibetan monks have demonstrated some very high levels of meditation where they can perform seemingly miraculous feats of the human body. For instance, at a Buddhist monastery in Northern India, a group of monks were lightly dressed and unaffected by the temperature of their surroundings of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They were then covered with ice-cold, wet sheets of fabric. An average person would be shivering uncontrollably to try to stay warm, however the monks remain unfazed. The wet sheets began to steam after about 1 hour, eventually becoming completely dry. The monks had used a yoga technique known as Tummo, which literally means ‘inner fire‘. This is an ancient meditation technique practiced by monks in Tibetan Buddhism. where a combination of breathing and visualization techniques are used to enter into a deep state of meditation. This method enabled them to significantly raise their body heat, as much as 17 degrees Fahrenheit in their fingers and toes.
Components of Tummo meditation that can lead to temperature increases are Vase breath and concentrative visualization. Vase breath is a particular breathing technique which causes thermogenesis, a process of heat production. Concentrative visualization is where the practitioner focuses on a mental image of flames along the spinal cord in order to prevent heat loss. Reports from scientists at Harvard University see this phenomenon as an amazing example of the mind’s ability to influence the body.
References:
Tummo Meditation | Your Inner Fire and the Wim Hof MethodLinks to an external site.
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Qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga are not the only methods that can be used within this formula but have proven the test of time as methods to cultivate harmony of the mind, body and spirit. These exercise practices offer a wide spectrum of physical wellness benefits, stress relief as well as means of self-awareness. Not all teachers nor students practice these for the same goals.
I am currently offering wellness lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.
For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com
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